by Dave Ciaccio, Board Chair

We’ve all heard while leading this life with Parkinson’s, that everything we do must be mindful and purposeful. That it must be done with intent.

Todd & Sue, two of my pickleball partners, often remind me on the court that every shot needs to be played with intent to be effective. Too often my mind wanders and I find myself a spectator to the moment.

This idea of doing everything with intent becomes incrementally more important as our Parkinson’s silently progresses. The other day I found myself as ‘a spectator in the moment’ of everyday life, which could have put me on the injured list.

I was sitting at a high counter chair and while trying to rotate and step down too quickly, my foot got caught in the chair leg and I went to the floor. No injury, but I certainly didn’t stick the landing either. As I thought about what had happened it was clear: I was not moving with thoughtful intention.

Lesson learned.

Today, whether I’m going down the stairs, working in the garage, or just taking a walk, I’m trying to be more mindful of doing it all with more purpose and intent.

Who knows, maybe by doing so my pickleball play will improve as well.